Arsenal and Chelsea are at the forefront of Premier League clubs pushing Nico Williams’ camp to confirm his intentions this summer, TBR Football can reveal.
Williams has scored 11 goals and provided seven assists for Athletic Club this season after starring for Spain at last summer’s Euros.
The 22-year-old scored in Spain’s 2-1 win against England in the final, a game in which he played against the likes of Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer.
And since that final, a host of English sides have been doing work to position themselves to tempt Williams away from Spain.
And although Arsenal and Chelsea are currently at the front of the queue, Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle United have also been in contact with Williams’ people.
When Nico Williams plans to choose his next club
That being said, Graeme Bailey, TBR Football’s chief correspondent, understands that Williams’ people are insisting that the winger is willing to move to England this summer.
On his part, Williams remains uncommitted to this point, even if his camp are saying that a Premier League switch could happen.
EXCLUSIVE: £55m attacker ready to take a pay cut to stay at his current club despite holding Arsenal talks
Andrea Berta has held talks with Williams’ people since he was welcomed as Arsenal’s new sporting director a few months ago.
And likewise, Chelsea have had meetings with the Spaniard’s camp too.
But Williams is unwilling to make a decision on his future until Athletic’s final position is confirmed in La Liga.
Ernesto Valverde’s side are currently fourth after 35 games played and they’re in a strong position to claim a Champions League spot.
And if a season in Europe’s top competition is confirmed, there is a real chance that Williams stays for another year.
Nico Williams comments on his future at Athletic Club
In terms of Williams’ own words, the winger actually spoke before Athletic’s recent meeting with Manchester United in the Europa League.
Williams won’t be reaching the Europa League final he was referencing, owing to being eliminated by United.
But the winger’s comments about being ‘super happy’ at his boyhood club do still seem very pertinent.
Williams said: “The dream is to lift the champion’s trophy at San Mames. I have the opportunity to make history at this club. The dream never ends. I’m 100% focused on tomorrow, on reaching the final and winning it.
“I don’t want to look any further. I’m super happy here. I’ve always wanted to feel important here. This is a 10/10 season for me.”
It’s long been understood that Williams would like to join Barcelona first and foremost, but perhaps Arsenal or Chelsea could still tempt him to England.
